Water leaks can cause severe damage to your basement, home, and belongings. In the aftermath of a flood, it is important to act quickly to minimize the damage and get your basement back in working order. The first step in the process is to determine what caused the water to get into your basement.
Depending on the cause of the flooding, there are a few things that you can do to help the situation. This includes shutting off the power and gas to your home, putting on protective gear, and determining who can repair the flood.
Drainage : One of the most common reasons for basement basement flooding repair flooding is improper drainage. This can be due to poor gutters or downspouts, an inadequate foundation grading system, or other problems that lead to rainwater accumulating against the foundation and causing it to pool. To prevent this from happening, ensure that the gutters and downspouts direct rainwater away from the house and foundation and are properly sloped and buried.
Plumbing : A burst pipe or broken water heater is another common cause of basement flooding. These can be the result of a number of factors, including aging or broken plumbing, construction defects, and freezing-induced splitting of pipes.
Electrical : The electrical outlets and wiring inside your home can also be damaged by a basement flood. In this case, you should call an electrician to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.
Mold & Mildew : Mold and mildew can grow quickly after a basement flood, causing further damage to your property and health risks for you and your family. The best way to avoid this is to remove wet materials from your basement, such as drywall and insulation, as soon as possible. You should also move any furniture that has been soaked with flood water and replace it with dry materials.
Wet carpets can also block the floors beneath from drying. When removing carpets, be sure to thoroughly clean the area and allow it to air dry before placing it back in your basement.
A professional cleaning service can help you get rid of all the mold and mildew that has formed on your basement floor, walls, and ceiling. It will also help you restore your items to their original condition so that you can recover from the disaster with peace of mind.
Structural : If your basement walls have been damaged by floodwater, you should consider rebuilding them to help prevent future flooding. Rebuilding your basement can be time-consuming and costly, but the cost is well worth it when you have a dry and safe space to live in again.
Insurance : If your property was flooded by a storm, you should call your insurance company and have them cover the costs of the cleanup. Most homeowner’s and renters insurance policies will provide coverage for flood damage.
Restoration : Once you’ve removed all the items that were affected by the flooding, you should call a professional restoration company to get them dry and restored. They will clean up the contaminated areas and use an antimicrobial spray to prevent further growth of mold and mildew.
